On 5 October, six Timor-Leste Brothers renewed their vows in Baucau, Timor Leste.
They are: Brs Clementino Xavier, Dionisio M. Martins, Filomeno Mendonça, Julio Brites, Juvencio Hanjam Nia and Salvador B. Ferreira.
At a ceremony held in the Chapel of the Canossian Sisters, a gathering of about 60 people witnessed the six Brothers renew their vows for another year. The celebrant for the Mass was Baucau parish priest, Father Manuel Ximenes Da Silva SDB, a good friend to all the Brothers.
Some of the Brothers were fortunate to have some of their family members present, however for others, this was not possible because of distance of travel for the event. A number of students from the Instituto Catolico para Formacao de Professores (ICFP) joined the Brothers, Postulants and Aspirants to form a choir and sang with great enthusiasm and strength.
Br Greg McDonald received the vows on behalf of the Superior General, Br Ernesto Sanchez. Much of the Mass was presented in the language of Tetun, with the Vows Renewal ceremony in English with Tetun translations. The songs for the Mass were a mix of Tetun and English, a decision of the young Brothers who renewed their vows. After the Mass, a dinner was held at the Melita Guest House, which happens to be the current residence for the aspirants until our new residence at Triloka is completed.
Over recent months the six Brothers had entered into a time of careful and thorough discernment about their lives as consecrated Religious and as Marist Brothers. Each of the Brothers chose to continue his commitment for another year. The Brothers sent letters of request for renewal of vows, and each had been accepted by the Provincial and
Council and further by the Superior General and Council.
All present at the Mass were witnesses to the renewal of vows by the Brothers and celebrated with them for their commitment to the Marist and Religious way of life.
We thank the Lord and our Good Mother for the generous response of these Brothers and pray that they will continue to walk in the footsteps of our Father, St Marcellin Champagnat.
View more pictures from the beautiful and profound event:
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